“Maundy Thursday” is a term that has a very rich meaning in Christian usage. “Maundy” is derived from the Latin phrase “Mandatum Novum,” and refers to the “new commandment” Jesus gave at the Last Supper for His disciples to love one another (John 13:34). It is a day that historically has commemorated the events that happened in the Upper Room: the washing of the disciples’ feet, the new commandment, and the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
The following is a reading plan for use at home on this day as a personal devotional exercise or for family worship.
First Old Testament Reading: Exodus 12:1-13
Second Old Testament Reading: Exodus 24:3-11
Reading from Psalms: Psalm 118
A Prayer of Confession:
Blessed Lord Jesus, before Thy cross I bow and see the heinousness of my sin, my iniquity that caused Thee to be “made a curse,” the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath. Show me the enormity of my guilt by the crown of thorns, the pierced hands and feet, the bruised body, the dying cries. Thy blood is the blood of incarnate God, its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought. Infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price. Who will deliver me from this body of death? Sin is born in my birth, alive in my life, strong in my character, following me as a shadow, intermingling with every thought. Yet Thy compassions yearn over me, Thy heart hastens to my rescue, Thy love endured my curse, Thy mercy bore my deserved stripes. Let me walk in the lowest depths of humiliation, bathed in Thy blood, tender of conscience, triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation. Amen!